The Real Madrid star has his mind set on swapping the Bernabeu for London, according to sources in Spain.

But it's Chelsea - not Arsenal - who are leading the race to sign him …

United chiefs were pondering a £34m move but Mourinho, who worked with Khedira in Madrid, is the frontrunner to snap him up.

All three Premier League clubs arguably have a need for a man of Khedira’s talents, so it is understandable why he is becoming one of the most sought-after targets ahead of the January transfer window.

Mourinho currently does not have a world-class holding midfielder, with John Obi Mikel incapable of controlling a game, reflected by the fact he has only made three league starts this campaign.

United’s midfield still looks highly penetrable despite the addition of Marouane Fellaini—conceding 18 shots at goal to Southampton at the weekend, per ESPN FC—while Arsenal clearly missed the concussed Mathieu Flamini in their midweek loss to Borussia Dortmund.

Khedira has been a regular starter for Madrid this season but clearly isn’t happy at the Spanish giants, recently telling Kicker he is the scapegoat for Madrid defeats, per the Guardian:

I feel insulted by the Spanish press, I will never be one of their favourite sons.

I began the season on the bench and once again I've been made a scapegoat. They don't value me, even when I play well.

I'm not Spanish, I didn't cost a lot and I'm a disciple of Mourinho.

The final comment from Khedira is telling.

He was a trusted lieutenant of Mourinho, and the Chelsea manager has shown countless times he likes to rely on players with whom he has previously worked.

Ricardo Carvalho played for the Portuguese coach at both Chelsea and Madrid, while Samuel Eto’o has been reunited with Mourinho after their successful spell at Inter Milan.

Wilson claims Chelsea will need to spend £35-£40 million on Khedira, but given that they missed out on Wayne Rooney during the summer, money is available for a big transfer.

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The form of Fernando Torres, who appears to be returning to his best under Mourinho, has lessened the need to sign a striker, and the Chelsea boss has always placed huge emphasis on the base of his midfield, ever since the days of Claude Makelele.

Frank Lampard is attempting to remould himself to prompt attacks from a deep-lying role, but he needs a destroyer alongside him, a role for which Khedira is perfect.